The Century at 25 Central Park West

May 03, 2020 by Pamela Ajhar in Architecture

Can you name the four twin-towers of Central Park West? Beginning from the North, they are the Eldorado at 90th-91st Street, the San Remo at 74th-75th, the Majestic at 71st-72nd and the Century at 62nd-63rd.. These hi-rise towers, built between 1929 and 1931, transformed the skyline of the Upper West Side by more than doubling the height of all the existing buildings. They came about as a result of the Multiple Dwelling Law passed by the New York State Legislature in 1929. This law mandated an increase in yard and court area, but allowed residential buildings to rise higher than before, legalizing setbacks and towers that could span up to three times the width of the street on plots over 25,000 square feet. The last of these four buildings to be erected was the Century, constructed by the Chanin Construction Company, one of NYC’s leading builders and pioneers in the design of Art Deco buildings in America.

Irwin S. Chanin graduated from Cooper Union in 1915 with a degree in Civil Engineering and began his career as a builder and developer with his brother, Henry. Some of their early notable buildings include: the Fur Center Building (1924), the Chanin Building (1927) and the Lincoln Plaza Hotel (1928 - now Row NYC Hotel), all located in midtown Manhattan. They were also very prolific in the development of theatres. Beginning in 1925, they hired architect, Herbert Krapp, to design six Broadway locations, the 46th Street (now the Richard Rodgers Theatre), the Biltmore (now the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre), the Mansfield (now the Brooks Atkinson), the Masque (now the John Golden Theatre), the Royale (now the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre) and the Majestic Theatre. They also built several movie theaters including the Beacon Theater on Broadway and 74th Street which was restored in 2009 and is now one of New York’s leading live music venues currently under the management of Madison Square Garden.

In 1929, the Chanin Construction Company purchased the entire city block bounded by Broadway, Central Park West, West 62nd and West 63rd Street. The site included the Century Theatre (1909) on Central Park West, Daly’s Theatre on 63rd Street and an apartment house and two garages on Broadway. As part of the agreement to acquire the Century Theater, which was then owned by the Schubert Organization, the Chanins were forced to sell them their interests in the Royale, the Masque and the Majestic Theatres.

The Century Theater

The Century Theater being demolished

The original plan to build a 65-story skyscraper quickly fell apart and it was decided that a second Art Deco inspired twin-tower building would join the Chanin’s Majestic, already being constructing several blocks to the north. By this time, Irwin Chanin had become a registered architect and worked on the design of both of these buildings. Although at first glance, the exteriors are fairly similar, he considered the Century to be a finer work, with the addition of more complex ornamental crowns on the towers and improvements to the design of the façade and windows. One of the other notable differences was the Century’s heavy concentration of smaller apartments, as larger units were becoming difficult to rent due to the Depression. Over the years, the building had its fair share of famous tenants including Ethel Merman, Jack Dempsey, Robert Goulet, Joey Heatherton and Nanette Fabray.

The Century Towers

The Majestic Towers

After a long and contentious battle, the Century successfully converted to a condominium in 1989. To this day, it is one of only three condos on Central Park West south of 88th Street, the others are 15 Central Park West and Trump International at 1 CPW. Some of the apartments have spectacular views of Central Park and many retain their original pre-war details and special features like sunken drawing rooms with fireplaces, duplex suites, creak-proof walnut and select hardwood floors and luxurious bathrooms with stand-alone showers. Irwin Chanin lived in the Century until his death in 1988 at the age of 96.
The Century was designated a landmark by the Landmark Preservation Commission in 1985.

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Panorama Columbus Circle, circa 1907. Via Library of Congress

The Prasada at 50 Central Park West - Then and Now

April 05, 2020 by Pamela Ajhar in Architecture

I recently came across a wonderful panoramic photo taken in 1907 of Columbus Circle looking uptown to the Upper West Side. In comparison to today, the entire neighborhood looks almost completely unrecognizable, with the exception of the Columbus Monument (1892) and The Ansonia Hotel in the distance (completed in 1904). I decided to enlarge the photo to get a closer look at the buildings on Central Park West that run up to the mid 60’s. I was amazed to find one building that still stands today; the Ethical Culture School, built in 1902. Under closer inspection, I realized there was a second building, the Prasada, on West 65th. I almost missed it since over the years the façade of the building has been altered quite a bit.

Ethical Culture School with the Prasada in the background

Developer, Samuel B. Haines, commissioned architect Charles Crowning to design the 12-story luxury apartment building. To meet the high expectations of the wealthy clientele and help lure them to the neighborhood, it was necessary to offer state-of-the-art apartment amenities, spacious floor plans and exceptional views of Central Park. Residents were greeted by an impressive portico entrance with four distinctive two-story banded columns and a beautiful lobby leading to a central open court enclosed by a stained glass paneled skylight. The exterior of the building, a combination of brick, limestone and terra cotta with embellishments of Beaux-Art ornamentation was crowned with a distinctive two-story-high mansard roof. The Prasada was completed in 1907.

Images of The Prasada in 1907 and The Prasada Today

Shortly after completion, the building traded ownership several times. In 1919, two investors by the names of Penrhyn Stanlaws and Walter Russell purchased with the plan to reconstruct and transform the building “into a new type of apartment house which is practically a combination of club, hotel, and apartment evolved to meet modern conditions, such as the servant problem and high cost of rents.” Their ambitious plans were somewhat curtailed, but unfortunately they did succeed in removing the mansard roof and upper floor details, replacing it with plain brick. Furthermore, sometime in the 40’s, the stone balustrades on the fourth and tenth floors were removed and the iron railings outside each apartment window were stripped away.

The building was converted to a cooperative in 1988. In 1999, the co-op undertook an extensive renovation project. The firm of Ehrenkrantz Eckstut and Kuhn was hired to redesign the lobby; a new Beaux-Arts-style mix of columns and cornices illuminated by the original stain-glass skylight panels. Despite the changes over the years, The Prasada, located at 50 Central Park West is still considered one of the most preeminent addresses on the Upper West Side.

The Lobby Today and (below) the Front Entrance and Elevators Today

To read more about the Prasada, read these articles:
NY Times
Daytonian in Manhattan

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Same View as Top Image From Columbus Circle in 1932

Seeing Double on Broadway - 221 W 82nd & 222 W 83rd St

April 23, 2019 by Pamela Ajhar in Architecture

If you happened to be walking on Broadway between 82nd and 83rd Street and glance up at the two buildings on the east side of the street, you can rest assured that you are not seeing double. These buildings, 221 West 82nd Street and 222 West 83rd Street, are twin buildings.

222 West 83rd Street and 221 West 82nd Street - Looking East on Broadway

As the 1920’s brought a building boom to the Upper West Side, the developer Sam Minskoff, a former plumber, was on his way to becoming a prolific NYC developer. Architect, Emery Roth, whose very first building design, the Saxony, built in 1900 and located just down the street at 250 West 82nd, was also earning accolades for his work. Minskoff, having already worked with Roth, once again commissioned him to work on what would become the first of a two building project.

Similarities of the Front Entrances - 221 W. 82nd is a Condop and 222 W 83rd is a Rental Building

The first of the two, located on 82nd Street, was named the Myron Arms, and the second, built a year later on 83rd, was called Jerome Palace. Both were named after his sons. Myron, Jerome and a third son, Henry, would eventually take over the family business of Sam Minskoff and Sons and in the 1970’s would oversee the construction of what Broadway theater lovers would come to know as the Minskoff Theater.

Key features of the Italian Renaissance inspired designs of the two buildings include the use of granite, limestone, brick and terracotta. Each of the buildings are topped with a setback penthouse floor. There are some slight variations between the two, so the next time you are passing by, look up and see if you can detect the differences.

To learn more about how Sam Minskoff and Emery Roth began their working relationship read this: http://www.chestercourt.com/about-us

Pamela Ajhar

555 West End Avenue - St Agnes Reimagined

December 06, 2018 by Pamela Ajhar in Architecture

A striking collegiate gothic style red brick and limestone building sits gracefully on the southwest corner of West End Avenue and 87th Street. Located in what is now part of the Riverside West End Historic District, it was a parochial school for over 100 years. In January 2013, the New York Roman Catholic Archdiocese announced the closing of 22 elementary schools and 2 high schools and St. Agnes Boys’ High School was on that list. Shortly afterwards, the building was sold to architect/developer Cary Tamarkin and is now in the process of being transformed into luxury condominiums.

The history of 555 West End Avenue began in 1907-1908 when the New York Protestant Episcopal Public School Corporation commissioned architect William A. Boring to design the St. Agatha’s School for Girls (later sold to the Catholic Archdiocese). Mr. Boring began his career in the late 1800’s in California, later moved to New York City to attend Columbia University and after a brief stint at McKim, Mead and White, teamed up with architect Edward L. Tilton. Their first prominent work was the design of the buildings for the U.S. Immigration Service on Ellis Island (1897-1901, part of the Ellis Island Historic District) which received a Gold Medal at the Exposition Universelle of 1900. The formal partnership ended in 1904 and Boring went on to a solo career, designing many public buildings including St. Agatha. He became extremely active and influential in design and planning circles and worked on many important projects. One of my personal favorites is the American Seamen‘s Friend Society Sailors‘ Home and Institute, 505-507 West Street, now a designated New York City Landmark and currently operating as The Jane Hotel (www.thejanenyc.com). Boring left his full-time practice to join the faculty of Columbia University‘s School of Architecture, becoming a professor of design (1915), director (1919), and the first dean (1931) until his retirement in 1934.

Ellis Island Architects: William A. Boring and Edward L. Tilton

American Seamen‘s Friend Society Sailors‘ Home andInstitute, 505-507 West Street - Architect: William A. Boring — American Seamen‘s Friend Society Sailors‘ Home and
Institute, 505-507 West Street - Architect: William A. Boring

Without the constant comings and goings of students, Tamarkin is able to reimagine the interior space of this beautiful building, while still maintaining what remains of the grand exterior. One of the more notable, but not so recent changes was the removal of a giant cross that once sat prominently on the top of the building. Notable interior features will include towering ceiling heights, enormous windows, large room sizes and classic elements such as gracious entry foyers, walk-in pantries, eat-in-kitchens and staff rooms. While 555 West End Avenue is still under construction, sales of the 13 unique residences have already begun. I recently toured model residence # 3E, with interiors designed by Charlie Ferrer. Architectural Digest highlighted this project in a recent issue: https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/charlie-ferrer-first-model-555-west-end-tamarkin

555 West End Avenue #3E Interiors by: Charlie Ferrer

My blogpost would not be complete without mentioning the piece de resistance, the Solarium Penthouse currently offered for $18,000,000. The centerpiece of this three-bedroom home is a breathtaking Great Room crafted from the immense vaulted and skylit volume of the original school gymnasium. Stunning in its scale and luminosity, the dramatic space soars to nearly 19-1/2 feet, with a floor-to-ceiling window-wall along its south façade that opens onto a private terrace. Here is a link to see more photos: https://555westendave.com/residences/the-solarium-penthouse/

555 West End Avenue: Rendering by Tamarkin

For more information regarding the conversion process visit: https://newyorkyimby.com/2015/05/landmarks-wants-less-visibility-on-555-west-end-avenue-rooftop-addition.html

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The Interborough Rapid Transit Company 1904 -- from the collection of the Museum of the City of New York — The Interborough Rapid Transit Company 1904 -- *from the collection of the Museum of the City of New York*

The IRT Powerhouse

February 27, 2018 by Pamela Ajhar in Architecture

The big news for historic preservationists in 2017 was the successful outcome of a 41 year battle to designate a spectacular piece of architecture known as the IRT Powerhouse as a New York City Landmark. Once considered a threatened historic resource, the Landmark Preservation Commission voted unanimously in December to add this to last year’s list of 14 structures throughout the five boros to gain designation. Here is the full list and map for 2017:
https://ny.curbed.com/maps/nyc-historic-preservations-landmarks-2017

It was 1901 and the City Beautiful Movement was already in full swing, bringing monumental and inspiring structures to neighborhoods that would promote civic pride, morality and social order. Stanford White, of McKim, Mead and White, a partner of one of the most prominent architectural firms of that era, was brought in to design what would become a large facility to house the equipment needed to generate electricity for New York City’s first underground subway system. Two years earlier, White had received tremendous public accolades for his ambitious design of the original Madison Square Garden (demolished in 1925). He had already developed a solid reputation for his work on many public buildings, churches and monuments. One of his most notable projects was the Washington Square Arch, built in 1889, however he was best known as one of the original “starchitects”, designing homes for many of the rich and famous of the “Gilded Age”.

View of the top of the building with one remaining smokestack

Massive in size, the footprint for the IRT Powerhouse would ultimately take up an entire block of land between 58th and 59th Street and 11th and 12th Avenues (in the neighborhood known at the time as San Juan Hill). In 1902, the sprawling Eastman and Co slaughterhouse was torn down to make way for the new building. Finally, in 1904 the facility began generating electricity for the Interborough Rapid Transit Company subway line, providing service to 28 subway stations from City Hall to 145th Street.

Detail of the South Side of the Building

At peak operation, over 25,000 tons of coal was burned annually, creating a steady stream of smoke and layers of soot, which took a terrible toll on the environment. In 1959, Consolidated Edison purchased the building, installed a new and efficient boiler system and converted the plant to gas and oil. Con Edison also began systematically dismantling the original façade of the building, removing key architectural elements and the smokestacks lining the top of the building. Architects representing Con Edison would later appear before the Landmark Preservation Committee to attempt to argue that the building should no longer be a candidate for designation since the structure had too many significant changes. Fortunately, the committee was able to see beyond that argument and thankfully after a long fought out battle finally moved to protect and preserve one of Stanford White’s few remaining masterpieces in Manhattan.

Click here for a very interesting PBS show about Stanford White’s life: https://www.wliw.org/programs/treasures-of-new-york/treasures-new-york-stanford-white-full/

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Detail above the door of the Grand Hall of Aaron Shikler's studio at 44 West 77th Street

44 West 77th Street - Facade Transformed

July 31, 2017 by Pamela Ajhar in Architecture

Aaron Shikler, the famed portrait artist resided at 44 West 77th Street for over 50 years, until his death in 2015 at age 93. It was here in his studio overlooking the American Museum of Natural History, that he painted one of his most notable works, the official White House portrait of John F. Kennedy. I recently had the pleasure of visiting this 11-room residence located on the 4th floor, which is currently on the market for $5,998,000. The original architectural details of several of the rooms are truly breathtaking, especially the Grand Hall, with its 14.5 foot ceiling and carved wood pilasters and Corinthian capitals. With 2 apartments per floor and a total of only 33 apartments, it is truly a treat to find an apartment with so much of the original decorative features.

This 14-story building, once called The Manhattan Square Apartments, was built in 1909. Walter Russell, who already had success commissioning several studio/ apartment cooperatives on West 67th Street, wanted to bring this same idea to 77th Street and hired the architectural firm of Harde and Short for the project. Herbert S. Harde and R. Thomas Short were already known for their distinctive designs, having earned critical recognition for the Elizabethian-styled five-story Red House at 350 West 85th Street in 1903, followed in 1906 and 1907, with the neo-French Renaissance Alwyn Court on West 58th Street and the neo-Gothic Park View on East 66th Street. But 44 West 77th Street, when completed, did not earn the same praise; the neo-Gothic facade covered in elaborate terra-cotta ornamentation and topped with a French Gothic Tower, led the critic of the Architectural Record to remark that it made him stare and gasp in astonishment. Architectural historian, Andrew Alpern, wrote in his book Luxury Apartment Houses of Manhattan that it was “encrusted with ornaments that appeared to have been squeezed out of a pastry tube”.

West 77th street by William Sanger 1907, from the collection of the museum of the city of New York

By the late 1930’s, pieces of terra-cotta began falling to the street. Poor installation, acidity in the atmosphere and pigeons who regularly visited the frontage of the building, caused further damage. In 1940, the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company took over the building with a deed in lieu of foreclosure and in 1944, rather than taking on a costly restoration, the company’s architect made the decision to remove the bulk of the terra-cotta.

It is hard to imagine that the exterior of the building once looked so radically different. If you have the chance to peek into the lobby, you can still find all the details of a very dramatic gothic lobby complete with leaded glass windows, grand columns, groin-vaulted ceilings, pendant chandeliers and bronze statues.

To read more about the altered façade of 44 West 77th Street, read Christopher Gray’s article in the New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/1992/02/23/realestate/streetscapes-44-west-77th-street-restoration-of-an-altered-facade.html

To read more about the history of the building and it’s residents, visit Daytonian in Manahattan:
http://daytoninmanhattan.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-1909-manhattan-square-apts-no-44.html

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Astor Court Apartments and the Copper Cornice

Astor Court's Grand Garden

April 12, 2017 by Pamela Ajhar in Architecture

John Jacob Astor amassed a huge fortune before perishing on the Titanic in 1912. His son, Vincent Astor, 20 years old at the time, was a student at Harvard. He inherited $87 million from his father’s estate and stepped into the sprawling family real estate business. His first project was the $1 million Astor Court apartments on Broadway that took up the entire block from 89th to 90th Street. Built in 1914, this 13 story
U-shaped brick building, has entrances on both 89th and 90th Street. It has a rather reserved red brick façade, topped with an exceptional great copper cornice that overhangs from the roof and projects out eight feet. Charles A. Platt, a skilled architect, landscape architect and artist, designed all aspects of the project.

However, one of the most distinguishing features of this building is not visible from the street. It is the gloriously landscaped outdoor garden court that sits between the two sides of the building. Buff color bricks cover the rear façade, helping to lighten up the space . There are many cozy places where residents can sit with friends and neighbors. Robert A. M Stern called Astor Court “perhaps the loveliest of all courtyard apartments built between 1900 and the First World War”.

Vincent Astor sold the building in 1922 and many of the original six-to nine room apartments were ultimately divided up, but some gracious layouts still remain. When the building converted to co-op in 1985, the garden was revitalized with flowering plants and mature shade trees, making this private outdoor space one of the true gems of the Upper West Side.

Astor Court in 1922

To learn more about the building, clink on the link below:
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/01/realestate/streetscapes-89th-street-broadway-1916-astor-building-private-garden-grows.html

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101 West 78th Street aka The Evelyn

February 16, 2017 by Pamela Ajhar in Architecture

Over the years, the story has persisted that 101 West 78th Street, once known as The Evelyn, was named for Evelyn Nesbit. She was the 16-year-old mistress of the famed architect Stanford White of McKim, Mead & White. The same Evelyn Nesbit whose future husband, millionaire Harry Kendall Thaw, would ultimately shoot and kill Stanford White in 1906 in a fit of jealous rage. The problem with this story is that neither White, Nesbit nor Thaw ever had anything to do with this building and furthermore, Evelyn Nesbit was only a baby in 1885 when the building first earned its name.

As of this writing, the building has now shed this moniker and will now be known only as 101 West 78th Street. Located directly across the street from the Museum of Natural History, it is in the midst of a major renovation and condo conversion. The original construction of the striking red brick building began in 1882, when the intended design by architect, Emile Gruwe, was for an 8 story building with a mansard roof. The building rose up to the 5th floor and then the money dried up. Developers, Phineas Smith and Edward Milliken purchased the building after it went into foreclosure and hired new architects, Douglas and John Jardine, to complete it. If you look up at the now 7 story building, you will notice the change in the design form on the top two floors of the building.

The building is adorned with lovely terra cotta figures. In 1987, they were at risk of being removed, but fortunately, a group of Upper West Siders fought and ultimately won the battle to save them.

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View of the Hearst Tower from Corner of 57th Street and Eighth Avenue

Old Meets New at the Hearst Tower

December 19, 2016 by Pamela Ajhar in Architecture

There is no finer example of “old meets new” in the world of New York City architecture than the Hearst Building on Eighth Avenue and 57th Street. In 1926, William Randolph Hearst, the newspaper publisher who was the model for “Citizen Kane” commissioned Joseph Urban to design a new Manhattan headquarters for his growing media empire. Urban, best known for his set designs for the Ziegfeld Follies, approached the project as if it were an elaborate theatrical extravaganza. A six-story cast-concrete base adorned with giant fluted columns and 8 allegorical statues representing Comedy, Tragedy, Music, Art, Industry, Sport, The Sciences and Printing was completed in 1929. The plan was to add a soaring tower on top of the base, but the Depression intervened, and the additional floors were never added.

Jump ahead to early 2000, the Hearst Corporation has expanded and their offices are now spread out across the city. The company, in desperate need of more space hires the Architect, Norman Foster, to come up with a plan to add a tower to the original base. A recipient of the Pritzker Architecture prize, Foster has recently completed a project at the British Museum where he has added a glass canopy with 1,656 uniquely shaped panes of glass above the Great Court, essentially melding the old with the new.

Mr. Foster presents his plans to the Hearst Corporation on the afternoon of September 11, 2001, while the fires are burning at the Trade Center downtown. It will be another four and half years before the project is completed. The exterior of the historical base, designated by the city as a landmark in 1988, must be preserved. It will be completely gutted and restored and Foster’s 46 stories of triangulated glass and steel will be placed on top. Construction of the diagrid structure, with its series of 4 story high interlocking triangles, which will support the tower, will begin to rise in 2004. Upon completion in 2006, a column in the New York Times Architectural Review, describes the new building as such: “Past and present don’t fit seamlessly together here; they collide with ferocious energy”. This new skyscraper has made a bold statement in the midtown skyline.

With a number of environmental considerations built into the plan, Hearst Tower becomes the very first green building completed in New York City, earning both LEED Gold and Platinum designations. The efficiency of the design reduced the amount of steel required for construction by about 20% and 80% of the steel that was used came from recycled material. The lower floors and lobby area, which form an open atrium, are paved with heat conductive limestone. Tubing beneath the floors are filled with circulating water used for cooling in the summer and heating in the winter and are supplied by a reclamation tank that can hold up to 14,000 gallons of rainwater collected from the roof. It also feeds an amazing 3 story high “Ice Fall” glass and water sculpture that greets you in the lobby. If you are passing the building, you can poke your head inside to see it.

For a spectacular drone tour of the building, check out this youtube video narrated by Norman Foster: Click Here

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The Straus Mansion once stood on the current site of The Clebourne Apartment Building

The Clebourne - 924 West End Avenue

July 07, 2016 by Pamela Ajhar in Architecture

The Clebourne is located on the former site of the Straus Mansion. Isidor Straus lived in the sprawling home with his wife Ida from 1884 until the couple perished aboard the Titanic on April 15th 1912. Isidor was best known as one of the founding partners of the department store Abraham and Straus (aka A&S) and also as a co-owner of the Macy’s department store. Shortly after their deaths, the house was sold to developers and demolished to make way for the Clebourne Apartment Building.

Side view of the entrance and porte-cochere of the Clebourne

Completed in 1913, this grand dame and one of my personal favorites, is most notable for its ornate façade and elegant porte-cochere entrance which faces onto 105th Street. Designed by the team of Schwartz and Gros, the exterior and lobby have an arts and crafts character. There are 3 elevator landings and most floors have 2 apartments per landing. This coop has primarily large apartments, ranging in size from 6-9 rooms, with high ceilings and old fashioned layouts.

Straus Park statue and bench with inscription

Straus Park, which sits in the triangle between West End Avenue and Broadway and is located 1 block north, was named in honor of Isidor and Ida. There is a beautiful bronze statue by Augustus Lukeman of a nymph who looks to be gazing out to sea. On the bench behind the statue is inscribed "Lovely and pleasant were they in their lives and in their death they were not parted." The passage is said to refer to Ida's choice to stay on the Titanic with her beloved husband, Isidor, rather than get safely into a lifeboat.

Here is a link to an article about Straus Park: http://www.nytimes.com/1998/08/23/realestate/streetscapes-straus-park-106th-street-west-end-avenue-restored-memorial-2-who.html

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The Chatsworth before the annex was built. The porte cochere has been removed. Photo: Museum of the City of New York

The Chatsworth -344 West 72nd Street

June 23, 2016 by Pamela Ajhar in Architecture

In the early 1900’s, the developer George F. Johnson, acquired a piece of property which sat at the southern end of Riverside Drive and 72nd Street overlooking Riverside Park and the Hudson River. The sweeping views of the 191 acre park and the winding shoreline of the river became the perfect location for an upscale apartment building that would successfully lure wealthy residents. A finely appointed residential building was designed by architect, John E. Scharsmith and came to be known as the Chatsworth. The 12 story red brick and limestone trim façade Beaux Art beauty, topped with a mansard roof, is lavishly adorned with an array of hand sculpted figures that feature cherubs, fruit and stags.

Original Kitchen Photo: Museum of the City of New York

When it opened in 1904, it had 66 “housekeeping units,” some as large as 15 rooms. Residents were offered a broad spectrum of services including a café, a barber shop and hair-dressing parlor, valet and tailor services and a billiard room. There was a sun parlor which ran across the entire top floor of the building. Scharsmith designed a smaller annex immediately adjacent to the building and it was added in 1906.

In later years, as was common for the neighborhood, the apartments were subdivided into smaller units, but it was always maintained as a rental building. Now it is undergoing a condo conversion. The entrance with its intricate metal work and ornate ceiling and the lobby’s skylight and hand carved walnut paneling have recently been restored. Many of the apartments have been re-combined to create large grand spaces and new amenities such as a lounge room, game room, children’s playroom and gym have been added. Here is a link to building website: http://thechatsworth.com/chatsworth/history/

Here is a link to building website: http://thechatsworth.com/chatsworth/history/

Pamela Ajhar

Durland's Riding Academy - West 66th Street

June 02, 2016 by Pamela Ajhar in Architecture

It’s hard to believe that West 66th Street was once bustling with horse traffic. In addition to the First Battery Armory (April 6th blog post) which was completed in 1903 and housed 76 horses, the Durland Riding Academy, which had opened a few years earlier in 1901, was located a few doors down on the north side of the street.

The riding ring was housed in the central section behind soaring three-story tall windows -- from the collection of the New York Public Library — The riding ring was housed in the central section behind soaring three-story tall windows -- *from the collection of the New York Public Library*

Conceived by George Durland, this large Equestrian complex, located on a T-shaped lot just off Central Park, consisted of 3 brick and stone buildings. The central pavilion, set behind 7 three-story high windows, housed an enormous riding ring. The largest footprint of the 3 buildings, it ran through to 67th Street and in addition to the horses, could accommodate a viewing gallery for 600 people and a musician’s area large enough for a 40-piece orchestra. To the East and closest to the park, was the most ornate of the 3 buildings. It was elaborately decorated with a large entrance portico and projecting bay windows and was embellished with decorative shields containing horseshoes. This is where Manhattan’s elite met and the club roster was a who’s who of the time with J. Pierpont Morgan, Andrew Carnegie, August Belmont, John Jacob Astor, Thomas Fortune Ryan and several from the Vanderbilt family amongst the list of members. Flanking the ring to the West, stood a plain five story building used for boarding horses and storing carriages. Horses could also be hired here for rides in the park.

Photo of Building closest to Central Park West by Alice Lum/ Daytonian in Manhattan

In 1949, the American Broadcasting Company purchased the building and the space was converted to television studios. One of the more notable events to occur there was on October 13th 1960, when Senator John F. Kennedy participated in the third of four historically significant Presidential debates against Vice President Richard Nixon, who was broadcasting from a separate Hollywood location. Some attribute JFK’s stunning defeat over Nixon to the power of these televised debates which were more favorable to Kennedy’s attractive appearance and calm demeanor in front of the camera. Over the years, shows like Soupy Sales, ABC Wide World of Sports and Good Morning America have also been broadcast from this location.

Photo By Alice Lum/ Daytonian in Manhattan

In the 1970’s ABC covered the façade of all three buildings, which had already been stripped of the original architectural elements, with pink stucco. Several years later during an expansion project, the western section of the Riding Academy was demolished. In a more recent restoration project, repairs were made to some of the remaining brownstone trim and the stucco was removed from the east building, exposing the original orange Roman brick façade.

Pamela Ajhar

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The Hendrik Hudson - 380 Riverside Drive

May 20, 2016 by Pamela Ajhar in Architecture

There are many places throughout New York City and the surrounding area that are named after Henry Hudson including the Hudson River, the Hudson Bay, the Henry Hudson Parkway and the Town of Hudson located in the Hudson Valley in Columbia County. There is also, The Hendrik Hudson, also known as 380 Riverside Drive, a grand building which takes up the entire block between 110th and 111th Street along Riverside Drive. Architectural historian, Andrew Alpern, considered it so important that he featured it on the cover of his book “Luxury Apartment Houses of Manhattan”.

The Hendrik Hudson from the corner of Riverside Drive and 110th Street

Completed in 1907, when the area was comprised of mostly low rise buildings, the new IRT subway stop located a short block away on 110th (Cathedral Parkway) promised to bring new life to the neighborhood. William L. Rouse of Rouse & Sloan modeled the design after an imaginary grand Tuscan villa, with a two story rusticated limestone base which incorporated large arched windows and projected balconies of stone and terra cotta ornamentation on the top portion of the building. Standing 8 stories high, it was at the time, the biggest private building of the upper drive, even though it was well under the 12 floor legal limit. Originally topped by two large square towers, with open Palladian arches on all 4 side. The towers were connected by a promenade and while the south tower still remains, the walkway and north tower were long ago removed. The interiors and exteriors were elegantly designed with very large floor plans. Amenities included a billiard room, café and barber shop which along with its magnificent views of Riverside Park attracted many new tenants.

After the war, the neighborhood experienced an economic downturn and most of the large apartments were cut up into smaller units. In 1960, after years of neglect, new owners took possession of the building that had earned the nickname “Slum with a View” and invested close to a million dollars in renovations. Now considered one of the crown jewels of Morningside Heights, the building was converted to a coop in 1970. If Henry Hudson were around today, he would be proud to know this majestic building with its architectural symmetry, grand marble lobby and lovely apartments with exceptionally high ceilings was named after him.

Pamela Ajhar

The American Youth Hostels located at 891 Amsterdam Avenue opened in 1990

The Association Residence for the Respectable Aged Indigent Females aka The American Youth Hostel

May 03, 2016 by Pamela Ajhar in Architecture

From 1973 to 1989, this historic building was considered a community eyesore; boarded up and surrounded by chain link fences. Much of the original slate roof had been damaged by a fire set during the 1977 New York City blackout. Through the joint efforts of local historians, neighborhood activists and Columbia University students, the building was given landmark status in 1983 and is now the largest hostel in North America. With 670 beds, the American Youth Hostels building hosts visitors from all over the world offering dorm style rooms with modern amenities that include a large outdoor patio and green space, a game room, a café, an internet and television lounge and a large communal kitchen.

But what is most intriguing about this building is only briefly described on the plaque that sits at the main entrance. 891 Amsterdam Avenue, located on the corner of 103rd Street was once known as The Association Residence for Respectable Aged Indigent Females, a place for elderly woman to help them “avoid the degradation of the poorhouse”. It was constructed in 1881-83 by “The Association”, one of New York City’s most charitable organizations. The residence was open to “any respectable non-Roman Catholic gentlewoman over sixty years of age, on payment of $150 and the surrender of any property she possessed”. A subsequent gift of $250,000 funded an addition in 1908, extending the building to 104th street and included the installation of a gorgeous Tiffany window to the chapel, which is now housed in a museum in Winter Park Florida.

The design of the building is described as “a French-inspired style which recalls the Victorian Gothic” and was created by Richard Morris Hunt, one of the most sought after architects of the 19th century. Hunt, the first American Architect to attend the L’Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris, is now best known as the architect of the lavish summer residences for the Vanderbilt family; the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina and The Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island. He designed over 75 structures in New York City alone, including many large mansions for the wealthiest citizens of the gilded era. Of those, only 20 of his works in this city still stand. Amongst them, the base of the Statue of Liberty and the front façade of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. We are fortunate that strong community involvement resulted in the preservation of this important landmark, which has also brought new life to the neighborhood.

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A Gang of Gargoyles - 527 West 110th Street

April 26, 2016 by Pamela Ajhar in Architecture

Walk past the Britannia located at 527 West 110th Street and you will be greeted by the amusing faces of 8 grand grimacing gargoyles crouched just above the top of the first floor. They appear to be engaged in various forms of everyday life; eating, cooking, carrying a platter and writing with a quill pen. Step inside the unusually large 35-foot wide courtyard that joins the two separate wings of the building and chuckle at the two additional fellows who flank each side of the entranceway appearing to be yawning or possibly mocking those who enter the building. Completed in 1909, the developer, J. Charles Weschler, decided to buck the trend of the 12 story tall building, common in the day, and hired the firm of Waid & Willauer to design a more distinctive 9 floor “English” style structure.

Apartments ranged in size from five to nine rooms and rented for between $90 to $250. The Britannia is now a condominium and most of the apartments have been carved into smaller units. Christopher Gray elaborates on the history of the building in his 2009 New York Times column “Meet Me Under the Gobbling Gargoyles”. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/18/realestate/18scapes.html

Pamela Ajhar

The Manhasset Apartments - West 108th and 109th Street

April 13, 2016 by Pamela Ajhar in Architecture

What looks like one massive building occupying the entire hundred feet blockfront of Broadway between 108th Street and 109th Street is actually two buildings with separate limestone entryways on both streets. The buildings, known collectively as the Manhasset Apartments, were designed and constructed in two phases. The original plan was for two eight story brick buildings, but bankruptcy forced a sale before the buildings were completed. The new owner, Jacob Butler, who took possession in 1901 decided to take advantage of new construction laws that had just come into effect and added 3 additional floors to the plan. He also hired the team of Janes and Leo, who were at the time working on the grand Dorilton building at 71st Street. They made additional enhancements to this limestone, brick and terra-cotta Beaux-Arts style façade including the addition of the most prominent feature of a two story slate-covered mansard roof.

At the turn of the century, the neighborhood known then as Schulyer Square, was dominated by row houses but once the IRT subway was completed in 1904, developers began to construct large scale apartment buildings. When the Manhasset was completed in 1905, the luxurious six to nine room apartments were renting for $1,800 to $3,500 a year. In the 1930’s the building was once again foreclosed on and the new owners subdivided all the apartments and also redecorated the lobbies. The building was converted to condop in 1993 and was designated as a landmark by the City in 1996.

Pamela Ajhar

The First Battery Armory on West 66th Street

April 06, 2016 by Pamela Ajhar in Architecture

It was 1900 and The First Battery, a volunteer field artillery unit of the National Guard of the State of New York, was headquartered above a saloon on West 44th Street. The building was managed by their Captain, Louis Wendel. The First Battery was one of many militia groups throughout the country formed to help with domestic peacekeeping efforts during the post–Civil War era of labor-capital unrest. Captain Wendel, a colorful figure who would later be removed from office for bribery, graft and grand larceny, had connections in Tammany Hall political circles. So when the New York City Armory Board was created to establish a series of ten armories throughout the city, Wendel used his influence to secure a brand new headquarters for his regiment.

In 1901, construction began on The First Battery Armory, located on West 66th Street just west of Central Park. Despite some pushback from the representatives of the National Guard who wanted more control over the selection of the architects, the firm of Horgan and Slattery was chosen. This firm, heavily favored by Mayor Van Wyck and Tammany Hall, held a monopoly on most public projects. The New York Times having published an editorial the previous year questioning whether Horgan and Slattery even existed and if they did, what a coincidence that they seemed to have the expertise to handle every project commissioned by the city.

On February 3, 1904, the group of approximately 100 men composed of mostly German Americans moved in. The first floor housed a concrete drill room, a riding ring and offices. Below the street were stalls for 76 horses, a 50 yard rifle range and a 25 yard pistol range. The Captain’s apartment was located on the third floor. The building, with its castle-like features, consisted of a rectangular headhouse with a central tower for public entry and two end pavilions with “sally ports” to accommodate the horses. The entire block had once been part of the 18th century farm of John Somarindyn and was subdivided into lots for sale in 1852. By the time the Armory was built, the block was typical of the neighborhood being half built up, primarily with five story houses. Across the street was the St Nicholas Arena, the city’s first indoor skating rink built in 1896 (demolished in 1986) and the Durland Riding Academy which had recently opened in 1901.

In 1913, the First Battery was replaced with new tenants as the 102nd Medical Regiment moved in, serving as a medical unit during World War 1 and World War 2. They remained in this location until ABC acquired the building in 1976, transforming it into a sound stage for soap operas. Now one of 6 armories designated a New York City Landmark, the location now serves as offices for ESPN. Despite the building’s many different transformations, you can still find throw backs to the time when the First Battery of the National Guard inhabited the building. Above the first story are the letters N.G.S.N.Y. and at the top of the tower is the First Battery’s insignia carved in relief as a central shield with “1901”, N.G.N.Y. and “Semper Paratus” which means “always ready”.

Pamela Ajhar

The Sun Always Shines on 55 Central Park West

March 28, 2016 by Pamela Ajhar in Architecture

Bathed in sunlight, even on a dark and dreary day, that’s the illusion created by the color graded brick work of 55 Central Park West. Color was a tool increasingly used in the new modern designs of the 1920’s and the rich shades of purple brick which gradually change over to yellow-white give this building’s façade this unique distinction. This era brought the Art Deco movement and architects were already beginning to adopt the style in the design of office buildings, but several were also embracing it in their residential buildings as well. Schwartz and Gross filed their plans for 55 Central Park West in 1929. They were already working on another Art Deco beauty on the Avenue, located at 336 CPW and 93rd Street. In the coming years, Central Park West would become a display case for the movement. The IND subway line, which would soon open on Central Park West would help to bring a new surge of construction to the neighborhood.

Standing 19 stories high with bold fluted decorative features and multiple upper floor setbacks, apartment sizes range from three to nine rooms, all containing the innovation of a sunken living room. 55 Central Park West was included in the Central Park West Historic District in 1990. It earned the nickname of “The Ghostbusters Building” after the exteriors were used in the filming of movie in 1984.

http://www.scoutingny.com/new-york-youve-changed-ghostbusters-part-1/

Pamela Ajhar

Hotel Belleclaire - 250 West 77th Street

March 23, 2016 by Pamela Ajhar in Architecture

Emery Roth was one of New York City’s premier architects of the 20th century. One of his earliest designs, his second in fact, was the Hotel Belleclaire. A very distinctive building, which stands on the corner of 77th and Broadway. Designed in the Beaux Arts style, but heavily reliant on the influences of Art Nouveau and the Viennese Succession style, Emery Roth designed the Hotel Belleclaire in 1903 as a residence hotel for upper class families.

The hotel attracted many famous guests that included Maxim Gorky, Mark Twain and Babe Ruth. In 2008, the building was renovated into a 240 room affordable neighborhood hotel. Although some of the original architectural elements have since been removed, including a domed corner turret, this striking 10 story brick building with stone base and arches and decorated with Indian heads continues to attract the attention of passers-by.

For some really interesting stories about several former guests of the hotel visit:

http://daytoninmanhattan.blogspot.com/2012/04/1903-art-nouveau-hotel-belleclaire.html

Pamela Ajhar

The Red House (350 West 85th Street)

March 09, 2016 by Pamela Ajhar in Architecture

Photo by Frances Page

The Red House, completed in 1904, is located on West 85th Street between West End Avenue and Riverside Drive. The work of the architectural firm of Harde and Short, it is a distinctive six story red brick and white terra cotta building with bold multi-paneled black painted windows, adorned with dripping Gothic screens and a terra cotta salamander & crown cartouche. The center is recessed behind a triple arched entryway. The partnership of Herbert Spencer Harde and R. Thomas Short was formed in 1901. After the completion of the Red House, they went on to design several other notable buildings that include The Studio Apartments at 44 West 77th, The Alwyn Court Apartments on Broadway and 58th Street and 45 East 66th Street, at Madison Avenue. This rental building is composed primarily of studios and one bedrooms. The Red House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.